Tag Archives: Granite Countertops

Kitchen countertops are one of the most used parts of the kitchen and it’s therefore important that you invest in the right Material.T here are different kinds of materials that you can choose from and before you make your choice we tell you the factors you should consider when choosing the material to use for your countertop. You can consult the experts at the granite company on the best material for your kitchen.

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Kitchen Countertops

Determine how you intend to use the kitchen and then choose the material that best suits your lifestyle. It’s important to choose the countertop material you want to use based on how often you use your kitchen. If your kitchen is busy you need to choose, material that will withstand the high traffic and it’s heat resistant. Silestone countertops will withstand high traffic without chipping or breaking. Before you choose the countertop to make sure you assess your needs and choose one that suits your need.

Care and Maintenance

Make sure that you can maintain the countertop that you choose. Granite and marble countertops require sealing after every two years. The material you choose should be stain resistant to ensure your kitchen remains clean. Silestone countertop doesn’t require any sealing and is easy to maintain. Ask the countertop dealers on the care and maintenance you need for the countertop material you choose.

Beauty and Elegance

We all want our kitchen to look good. The countertop you choose should make your kitchen more beautiful. Make sure you consider the flooring and the cabinets. Granite countertops come in a variety of colours that you can choose and you will be able to match any kitchen appliances. Complement your kitchen cabinets and the flooring with kitchen countertop. Choose a kitchen countertop material that will bring out style and elegance of your kitchen.

Durability

Durability is one of the most important factors that you should consider when installing a countertop. Make sure the material you choose can withstand the traffic in your kitchen, resistant to heat and scratched and will last a lifetime. The countertop dealers will help you determine the best countertop for your kitchen. Marble and granite countertop will work well if you don’t have a high traffic in your kitchen.

Hygiene

If your countertop is porous it will attract dirt and bacteria and it’s therefore important that it should be nonporous. Sealing granite countertops will ensure that they are nonporous. Nonporous material will ensure that maintain high hygiene levels because they will not hold any dirt. Sealing granite countertops makes it nonporous and ensure that your kitchen is hygienic

Cost

Determine what your budget and choose the material that suits your budget. Visit the countertop companies and get quotations on the various kitchen countertop material available. It’s however important that you ensure that the material you choose fits your kitchen and you can afford it. Granite countertops are expensive but it’s one of the best material for your kitchen countertop.

Why it’s Important to Select the Right Countertop

Perks up the value of your home

The kitchen countertop will add the value of your house. The right countertop will add elegance to your home.

Increase the Functionality of your kitchen

A countertop will make it easy and more enjoyable to prepare and cook meals. It’s therefore important that you select the right material to ensure that you can enjoy your cooking with minimal disruptions

Save on Cost

Choosing the wrong material will mean constant replacement of the countertop and that will mean you incur extra cost every now and then. Countertop replacement is expensive and its therefore important that you choose the right countertop. Based on the above factors choose a durable countertop material that will last a lifetime.

The kitchen Countertop will enhance the look of your home and it’s important that you choose the right material. Speak to the experts and find out the best countertop products NC for your kitchen. Make sure the material you select fits into your budget and you can manage to take care of it. The right material will give your kitchen an elegant look, last long and make cooking more enjoyable.

There are many countertop materials you can choose from, but granite countertops Raleigh are still the king. The unique appearance and structure of granites have made it a formidable material when it comes to countertops. A remodelling can be overwhelming as you try to figure which material to use for your kitchen countertop. In this article, we tell why granite is the best material to use for your kitchen countertop.

Reasons Why Granite is still the Best Countertop Material.

Granite is hard and Easy to maintain

Granite is a hard-natural stone and that makes it long lasting and easy to maintain. Granite can withstand hot pans and scratches. To clean your countertop, use a mild detergent and warm water. Granite is long lasting and once sealed it’s not vulnerable to bacteria.

Affordable and a long-term investment

Granite is affordable as compared to other materials. If you are on a low budget, consider using granites. Visit the granite company and get a quotation on how much you will need for your granite installation. Granite is not only affordable but will last longer than most countertops. Your kitchen countertop endures a lot of cutting and cooking and you need a countertop that will last long. Granite is the ideal countertop investment for your kitchen.

Perks up the Value of Your Home

Granite is one the most popular countertops and it’s one of the features that buyers look out for when looking to buy a house. A granite countertop conveys luxury and adds beauty to your house. If you invest in a granite during a house remodelling, you can be sure that you will get a 100% return on your investment. Although buyers consider other factors a granite countertop will put your house at the top of the selling board.

Style and Design

With granite, no two pieces are the same. Each slab comes its own colour, variation, appeal, and charm. Granite countertop comes with a variety of colours from vibrant shades of blue to yellow to black, grey and white. Granite countertops give you the option to choose from a variety of colours to match with your kitchen cabinets, and flooring. Granite will give your house a classy look and if you like a dramatic look they are readily available and if you love a cool home, cool colours are available.

Granite is stain resistant

Granite is easy to maintain. You only need a mild detergent and a cotton piece of cloth to clean out any spills. Granite is a tough natural stone which resists stains, etching, and scorching. After sealing you can be sure that your countertop is protected from stains. After meals, you simply wipe any spills with a piece of cloth.

Unique

Granite is available in large slabs that are distinct. If you have large spaces, granite will allow you to reduce the number of seams as it’s available in large slabs. The stone has a classic look that you will not find in any other stones. You can be sure that you have a unique countertop that will not go out of style.

Tips on How to Take care of Your Granite Kitchen Countertop

Clean any spill immediately, it happens as that will prevent penetration and chances of staining

Clean your countertop with water and a mild detergent. Avoid using any harsh detergent.

Avoid spilling acidic substances on your countertop

Use a cutting board while cutting any food. While granite is scratch resistant its important that you take care of it.

Use trivets when placing hot pans on the countertop

Visit the granite company and get advice on how to take care of your countertop to ensure it lasts longer

Let the expert granite countertop installers do the installation of your countertop to ensure a classy outcome.

Make sure your granite is sealed after every two years, depending on how you use it.

Granite kitchen countertop is the most preferred countertop material for most people. Its natural, unique, durable and comes in a variety of colours and you can be sure that you will find one that suits your kitchen. Make sure your granite countertop is professionally installed by the granite countertop installers and that will give your kitchen style and perk up the value of your home.

A quartz Kitchen countertop will highlight your kitchen and give it an outstanding appearance. The kitchen is the core of every home and a beautiful kitchen countertop will make it easier to make the kitchen the focal point of your home especially if you intend to sell the home. Selecting a countertop can be a daunting task as there are many available options and quartz is among the best materials. Quartz countertops are durable and a good option for your bathroom and kitchen. Before you settle on quartz consult the kitchen countertop installer on all advantages and drawbacks, and the most ideal situation to use the stone.

Questions to Ask Before You Settle on Quartz Countertops

What is quartz and How is it Made?

Understanding the structure of granite countertops or quartz countertops will make it easier to choose the one that fits your home, and in this post, we delve deep to find out how quartz is made.

Quartz is engineered and it’s made from 95 % of quartz minerals that are bonded together using polymer resin resulting in a hard material which is customized to make countertops. The quartz countertops come in a variety of colors giving a wide selection.

What Makes Quartz Countertops a good Choice for Countertops

Quartz is one of the hardest minerals and one of the most durable countertop material

It comes in a variety of colors and easy to maintain

Due to its hard nature, it’s not likely to chip or break easily

Its nonporous and will not hold any bacteria and its ideal for busy and high traffic kitchens

Quartz is nonporous and that means that bacteria will not find their home in the countertop. It does not require constant sealing making it ideal for a busy kitchen as compared to granite which requires constant sealing. Quartz is also able to withstand more pressure making it ideal for a high traffic kitchen.

Which area of the house or home is Quartz best used?

Engineered quartz is hard and durable, nonporous and can, therefore, work in most of the rooms in the house. It’s ideal as a bathroom vanity countertops material, outdoor countertops, fireplaces kitchen countertops and island and any other place that may require a countertop. It can also be used as a backsplash or large vertical areas. Consult the installers from the granite company and they will advise you on areas where you can use a quartz countertop.

How do you Take care of Quartz Countertops?

Quartz countertops are easy to maintain as they don’t require constant sealing. To clean the countertop, use warm water and a mild detergent. Avoid acidic detergents as that will make the countertop lose its shine and appeal.

What Design Options are available

Quartz has several styles available whether you want a modern, contemporary, traditional or eclectic look. During the manufacturing process quartz pigments and resin are mixed giving an array of color and texture.to make it even more appealing some manufacturers add glass and metallic flecks.

Is Quartz Heat resistant

Your Quartz countertop is heat resistant to a certain level and it’s therefore important that you place hot pans on a mat to avoid heat marks.

Is Quartz Stain Resistant?

The polymer that is mixed with grounded quartz minerals makes the countertop stain resistant. Even though the countertop is stain resistant, in case of any spills ensure they are cleaned off quickly to avoid forming a stain.

How Much Will Quartz Countertop Installation Cost

The cost of installation will depend on several factors including the size of the countertop and the accessory needed. To get the exact cost to visit the granite company and get a quotation. Make sure all the cost are included in the quotations to avoid surprises after the installation process.

Over the years Quartz has caught up with granite countertops Raleigh in term of popularity due to its low maintenance, durability and a variety of colors and styles. Its suitable for your kitchen countertop, bathroom vanity countertop and any other areas in the house that may require a countertop. When properly installed you can enjoy a lifetime of a beautiful kitchen space and a highly valued house.

Kitchen Islands are like an oasis in the middle of the kitchen. A kitchen island will give your kitchen more space, and it’s important to choose one that gives your kitchen style and elegance.Granite countertops will give the island a classic and stylish look creating a regal effect in your kitchen.

Typical uses of a kitchen island

Provides extra space and cooking

In an open kitchen plan, it provides the boundary

If it has drawers, it provides more storage space

The island provides a table where you and family can sit as you prepare dinner

Considerations to make when Choosing the design of your kitchen island

Size of the island

The space of your kitchen available determines the size and the design. Bigger kitchen space allows for more kitchen design. Smaller kitchen space may be hard to design, but with the help of experts, you can still design. Ensure that you get the right height of the island depending on the purpose. Whether the island is for food preparation or an eating area, make sure that the island height is comfortable.

The shape of the Island

The shape of the island will depend on the space available. If your kitchen space is minimal, it may be hard to have different kitchen designs. The shape of your island will give your kitchen a modern and a sleek look.

Function

The design of the kitchen island will depend on the use. If you are going to use the island for the cooker, then you need to consider the ventilation and fans. To add extra storage space, increase the height of the island to accommodate the storage cabinets. You can incorporate a beverage fridge in the island to make it easy to serve drinks if the island is used as a seating area during cooking times.

Adding style to Kitchen Island

A kitchen island on its own may not add any the ambiance and style you are hoping to achieve. It’s therefore essential to ensure that you dress your island appropriately to add style and glamour to your space.

Color and texture of the countertop in use

The choice of the kitchen countertop will change the outlook of the island. Depending on the function of the island choose the marble or granite countertop that will suit your needs. Granite countertops or marble countertop will give your island an elegant look. Make sure the countertop color matches and complements the rest of the kitchen.

Lightning

Add lighting to help illuminate the island and make your kitchen space more stylish. A hanging light will make sure the island is well decorated making it stand out. Add lights to the island to make more modern and give it extra brightness.

Replacing Kitchen Countertops

Does dull kitchen countertop is spoiling your kitchen’s appearance? Or wear and tear is clearly visible on your kitchen countertop? Or are you thinking of complete kitchen makeover? Well, if so then kitchen countertop replacement is something which can help you out. The kitchen countertop is the focal point of kitchen. These countertops are not only important for your kitchen décor but also for the ease of cooking. The aging is typically the most obvious reason behind the degrading beauty of the countertop.

Rather than making useless efforts in adorning your old countertop, you should better think about kitchen countertop replacement. There are many options available to you for your new kitchen countertop like granite countertops, marble countertops, quartz countertops, soap Stone countertops and Bamboo surface countertops.

Obviously, your old countertop does not cope up with your modern kitchen. You might have latest kitchen appliances, latest furniture and latest crockery in your kitchen, so why to compromise with the countertop? Get it replaced!!

Choosing the Right Kitchen and bathroom Countertops

Whether you are remodeling your kitchen or giving a new look to your bath area, at one point you will get confused in selecting most appropriate countertop. After all countertops play a vital role in enhancing the beauty of the kitchen as well as the bathroom. The kitchen and bathroom countertops are probably the first thing which gets noticed when someone enters in kitchen and bathroom respectively. The selection of countertops relies on various things like budget, interior decoration, personal choice and availability of countertop.

Oodles of bathroom and kitchen countertop options are available for you. The factors like durability, texture, color and appearance are going to make a solid influence on your choice. Some countertop materials need extra care while a few are nearly maintenance-free. You can opt for one as per your needs and requirements.

5 great countertop materials

#1: Granite: The scintillating granite countertopsare first choice of homeowners who want to dazzle their kitchen with shining of granite countertops. Previously, only few color and texture options are available to granite countertop lovers, but now granite countertops are available in various color and texture options.

#2: Quartz: The quartz countertops are easy care kitchen surface. Quartz countertops are made up of the hardest mineral on earth, so they are highly durable. They will provide long lasting services and are easy to clean. These countertops are available in a variety of colors from red to green, earthy brown to sheer black, and from cream to white with awesome textures.

#3: Marble: Marble is an ultimate countertop option for the white lovers. Although this countertop looks incredibly good in the kitchen but they are more suitable bathroom countertop option. The white color gets dirty soon and require frequent cleaning, thus as kitchen countertop its maintenance is quite tough but very much suitable for bathrooms.

#4: Soap Stone: If you want to try something different from others, then you should opt for Soap Stone countertops. Soap stones are highly durable material and virtually maintenance free.

#5: Solid Surface: These are man-made and durable countertop which requires very low maintenance. This material is stains, moisture, sunlight and heat resistant.

Marble countertops are common in kitchens. They are one of the most expensive countertops in the market, but at the same time they are one of the most durable. According to experts, when you take good care of them they can last for up to 100 years.

They come in different colors and hues where the color of the stone is determined by the area it was mined. If you are undertaking kitchen remodeling these are the countertops to go for.

Benefits of marble countertops

There are many benefits that come with the countertops. Some of these benefits include:

Beauty: as mentioned, the countertops come in different natural colors that you can choose from. In addition to this, these countertops have the ability of blending with different textures such as natural wood finishes.

Heat resistance: since they are made from stone, the countertops can’t burn or catch fire. While this is the case, they can be easily damaged by hot items placed directly on them. To protect your countertops it’s highly recommended that you place a mat on their surface.

In addition to being heat and fire resistant, the units are also resistant to cracks, breakage, and scratches.

Guide on how to take care of the countertops

For the countertops to last for a long time you should take good care of them. There are many ways in which you can do it:

Installation: care should start at the installation phase. You should ensure that they are installed by an experienced professional. The kitchen contractor you hire should not only be a kitchen professional, he/she should also be a marble countertop expert. This way you will have confidence that the units have been installed properly.

Cleaning: for the units to retain their elegant look you need to clean them often. When cleaning you should note that dirt materials tend to scour the surfaces; therefore, you should take a lot of care. To remove the dirt you should softly wipe the surface using a damp cloth. Remember that a lot of pressure will scratch the surface instead of removing dirt.

Sealing: while marble countertops NC are tough and withstand heat, they tend to stain easily. You should protect them from stains by applying a sealant on a regular basis.

Conclusion

Marble countertops are a great choice in your kitchen remodeling projects. For ideal results you should have them installed by a professional kitchen remodeler. You should also buy them from a reputable store.

When you plan about remodeling your kitchen or bathroom, choosing right countertop becomes one of the most important tasks. Because of availability of plenty of countertop materials, it is not easy to choose the one. Among so many available options, granite and quartz countertops are the most popular ones. Both materials have their own pros and cons, which makes it even more difficult for homeowners to choose the one. Granite provides bold look to kitchens and bathrooms, while Quartz adorn the beauty of kitchens and bathrooms. There are so many assumptions and delusions floating around about quartz and granite. Vie between Granite and Quartz countertops can be seen ad natural stone countertops verses manmade countertops.

Quartz countertops

Quartz is a manmade countertop material. It is made from a mineral which is available in abundance on planet. The countertops contain 90 % of crushed quartz resins and 10 % of resin binders. As it is 100 % synthetic product, Quartz countertops are available in plenty of patterns and colors. This provides you a lot of options to choose from.

The best thing about the quartz countertops is that they look like natural stone countertops. The finished stone seems to be rich. It is easy to find the quartz countertop that matches with your kitchen décor.

Many homeowners prefer quartz countertops because it is a low-maintenance material. Quartz countertops can handle stains of tomato, oil, wine, juice, coffee and many more stainable products. And quartz does not hold germs, so you your countertops will be clean after just one wipe.

If Quartz and Granite countertops are compared in terms of beauty, Granite wins. The granite countertops have that natural stone appeal. On the other hand, Quartz countertops look like imitation of granite.

Granite countertops

Granite countertops are made from 100 % natural stone. Each granite slab is different from other. These countertops provide rich and royal look to every kitchen. Every homeowner welcomes granite countertop with alacrity.

The best thing about the Granite countertop is it can ameliorate the look and feel of any place where it is installed. This countertop material is suitable for both kitchens and bathrooms. This countertop can withstand stains, scratches etc.

There are two drawbacks of Granite countertop –it is expensive and it requires annual sealing. Yes, granite countertops are one of the most expensive countertop materials. And this material requires annual sealing to maintain its shine.

Are you looking for a new countertop for your bathroom vanity? Are you searching beyond the traditional bathroom countertop options? Or is your search related to budget friendly bathroom vanity tops? Well, if so, then below mentioned information can be helpful for you. Today, market is full of variety of countertop materials. It is not easy to select the apt material for bathroom vanity, because not all material possess the all the qualities that homeowners want in their bathroom vanity tops. However, there are certain countertop materials that can full fill maximum needs and requirements of the homeowners.

Bathroom countertop materials

Bathroom vanity tops do not need to be boring. You should pay attention over the material, style, edge, color, design and texture. A good vanity top will improve the overall look and feel of your bathroom. It can’t be the focal point of your bathroom (like kitchen countertop), but it can definitely enhance the beauty of your bathroom décor.

Take a sneak peek over below mentioned 5 best bathroom countertop options:

Ceramic Countertops

Ceramic can be a great choice for bathroom countertop surfaces, especially for those homeowners who are looking for budget friendly countertops. It is very cheaper and available in plenty of designs and textures. The installation of ceramic countertops is pretty easy that you can opt for DIY installation as well.

Laminate Countertops

Laminated countertops are new craze in the market. These countertops look rich and royal. They are available in plenty of styles. Laminate countertops are best for the bargain installation, whereas worst for the high end installations. These countertops can be good for guest bathrooms or basement bathrooms.

Solid Surface Countertops

Solid Surface Countertops can be an amazing choice for bathroom vanities. This material is the combination of flexibility and functionality in total style. It is the manmade countertop. If you are looking for a stylish countertop surface to adorn your bathroom décor, solid surface countertop is the best option for you. However, these countertops are a little bit expensive.

Granite countertops

Be it kitchens, fireplaces or bathrooms, granite is the ultimate choice. Granite is non-porous, bacteria resistant, stain resistant and heat resistant material, which can be best for the busy bathrooms.

Quartz countertops

If you are looking something different and ready to spend, then quartz countertop can be the apt choice for your bathroom vanity top. It got look for granite without maintenance hassles.

Granite is the first name that comes in mind when homeowners think about countertop replacement. Be it bathroom countertop or kitchen countertop, granite is the first choice of homeowners. Granite is popular countertop choice because of obvious reasons. This material has plenty of benefits. Even the availability of plenty of natural stone and manmade countertop materials is not able to decrease the popularity of granite countertops. Still many people have many doubts regarding kitchen countertop replacement.

Is granite a good kitchen and bathroom countertop?

Granite is apt material for kitchen and bathroom countertop. This material is heat and scratch resistant. It means granite can withstand hot pans, knives, flat iron etc. They can be installed above kitchen cabinets as well as on bathroom vanity. Granite countertops are available in plenty of colors and textures, which look good in both kinds of settings.

What are the alternatives to granite countertops?

There are many alternatives available on the market for granite countertops, such as marble, tile, bamboo, silestone and quartz. Each material has its own benefits. You should consider pros and cons of every material before finalizing any material for your kitchen or bathroom countertop.

How granite countertops different?

Granite is a natural stone. Each and every slate of granite is different from other. It means no two granite countertops will have similar designs. This material is heat resistant, germ resistant, scratch resistant, and low maintenance. It is not possible to get all these benefits in one countertop option.

What are faux granite countertops?

Faux granite countertops are not actually the granite countertops. It is the cheap solution to get look and feel of the granite countertop. Actually, you can paint your old countertop with certain solution to make existing countertop look like granite. It can be one of the cheapest countertop replacement techniques, as you neither need to purchase the new countertop nor need to invest time and money on the countertop installation. But at the end you will get the new countertop. So, if your existing countertop looks old or you want to give fresh look to your kitchen, faux granite is the solution.

Is granite an expensive kitchen countertop option?

Yes, granite is an expensive countertop material. Its price is higher than the most of the countertops available on the market. However, this countertop worth every penny you spent. Consider purchasing countertop from reputable and trustworthy countertop company.